Nick,
I've got a few questions, but first - I have no skin in the game, never owned one of his amps and I've met Mark and Chris once at the NJ amp show several years ago. Both were really cool guys and I talked amps with Mark for almost an hour and left thinking he was a stand up guy. Now for the questions:
1. Is Mark really ill? I've seen a few vague posts alluding to "problems", but nothing that is definative.
2. Is Chris still a partner of his? Chris used to answer posts regularly, but that seems to have stopped, is there still some hope there?
3. Are they really going to open a production shop in NJ?
4. Are you an official spokes person or are you just trying to help them out?
Nick, you seem like a stand up dude and I don't think that you should take this all personally, it doesn't appear that anyone is holding you out there as responsible. I really hope it works out for everyone involved, if they had a production unit available at the show a few years ago, I would have bought it right there. I went with money in pocket and after meeting them was fully prepared to put a deposit, but the wife didn't want me to do it, and I'm glad I didn't now because she would have never let hear the end of it. If they do get a shipping production model, I'd still be right there - let's hope.
SeaDog